“I got a sick feeling in my stomach,” he said. “We called the police and filed a report … For whatever reason during the past 40 years, I kept the original title and the keys, but had thrown the police report away.”

Getting a copy of the report was difficult because in 1975 all reports were purged, Russell said. He eventually obtained an archived copy of the report through the National Crime Information Center, then called the Philadelphia Police Department for help.

Detectives in Philadelphia reactivated the stolen car report and contacted the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. The car was impounded June 14.

The Russells went to California and took ownership June 18.

Bob Russell said he is very excited to have the car back, but he has mixed feelings about it.

“When it was stolen it was pristine; now it’s going to need a lot of work.” he said.

“On the other hand, it’s been more than 40 years. It’s very gratifying to get it back.”

Russell said he originally paid $2,000 US for the car, which had about 33,000 miles on it when it was stolen.

Now the odometer reads 42,000 miles, and in its current condition it is worth between $20,000 and $30,000.

“When it’s fixed up, it will be worth $50,000,” he said.

Despite needing work, he said, the car is in relatively good shape, and he is thrilled he didn’t have to buy it back.

Cynthia Russell said costs to get the car home were around $2,000 for towing, impound and shipping charges.

“That’s what the car was worth when we lost it, so actually, we did buy it back,” she said.